LOVE, WORKS AND FAITH

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 22 December 2011

Hi all,

The 1960’s introduced the world to one of the all time great pop/rock groups. The Beatles literally hit the streets running. The compositions of Lennon and McCartney were hugely successful. The group became popular beyond their wildest dreams. So much so that one of them claimed to be more popular than Jesus. Those words sealed the fate of the group. They broke up and, following the assassination of John Lennon, they were never able to recover the popularity they once had known.

Their music, which started out as pop/rock music, has in many instances been recorded by full orchestras and even now is just as well known as it was some four decades later. It’s impossible to select which of their compositions was/is the most popular. One of them was “All you need is love”. It was a wonderful song. But it wasn’t good theology. Love on its own is not sufficient!

We often refer to the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is a lesser known “trinity”. Not one that’s easily recognised. These are, love, works and faith. They are intertwined in such a way that it is sometimes hard to separate them. Let’s look briefly at the words of Paul to the Galatians. ⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal 5:6 KJV Here they at combined in an unmistakable way. Faith on its own is pointless as we are reminded by James.

Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is often referred to as the “love” chapter. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:2 TNIV; This puts faith and love into a Christian perspective. But there is still a final “ingredient” in this “trinity”. It’s the word “work”. Faith requires action. Love requires action. The action is “work”!

I don’t want to push this analogy too far, but think for a moment about the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We know them as three Persons in One. The mystery is how three separate Persons can be indivisible. If I could answer that I’d have a queue of theologians from here to next week asking me to explain “it” to them. Similarly, if we think about our lesser known “trinity”, we have faith, work and love. For this “trinity” to be meaningful, the “qualities” must work together in some sort of indivisible way to produce balanced Christianity.

In my early days in the “Faith” movement, I understood that I needed faith. It was true then and is true to this very day. As a Beatles fan I soon realised that “all you need is love” was inadequate. What the last 50 years has taught me is that faith depends on love and love depends on faith. But for these two wonderful “qualities” to become a reality, we need to do something. You cannot love in a vacuum. For love to be meaningful there must be someone or something to love. To love someone requires that I take action toward that person. Action is a verb. It’s something we do. But faith also requires action; another verb. So this “trinity” is the hallmark of the Christian life. Let us then actively love and actively have faith and our Christianity will become meaningful.

Our Meditation this morning looks at love, works and faith. We need all of them alive and active in our lives.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

LovE, Works and Faith

O Lord, there’s a connection, between Faith and Works and Love. I don’t think I had known it, but it fits us like a glove. For Love produces service, and service is called work. And laziness gives little more, than the desire to shirk. But Lord You’re also saying, the work that God desires, Is when men put their trust in You and do what You require! It isn’t complicated! It isn’t hard to find! We do not need a guru. Not even if we’re blind! But faith alone is useless when it is on its own. There must be an expression of doing what is shown. For faith demands an action; a task that can be seen. It isn’t wishy-washy or slovenly and mean. The principle is simple. We reap what we have sown. So when faith has no action, the crop will not be grown. Of course, we do not like it. We much prefer to sleep Our favourite occupation is dozing, counting sheep. Our comfort is addictive; and working far too tough. We’d like to sleep out lives away, But You have said “Enough If you will not take action, There won’t be any food; If you don’t work, you will not eat; had better be construed”. To put it very simply, don’t belly-ache and cry; It’s only when you act in faith that you’ll get your reply. To contemplate your navel will never get things done. But when faith is in action, the devil’s on the run! Don’t sow to please your nature, for flesh will reap decay. Instead, sow to the Spirit; and blow your cares away. Just do the things He’s told you and put your trust in Him. Your faith will be rewarded and it will not grow dim. When faith combines with action you’ll find it doesn’t fail, And you will be a follower, along the Jesus trail. So let us keep on praying and knocking on His door. He’s sure to come and answer You and He will give far more, Than what you had expected. That’s surely guaranteed. For that is what He’s promised and placed into faith’s seed. You’ll find faith is an energy that comes from God Most High; To help you live a life for Him, until the day you die. And it will give Him pleasure, to see what can be done. All in the Name of Jesus. His one begotten Son. Jim Strickland – Written 22nd December 2011

THE NEW CREATION

Hi all,

Attached herewith, please find a copy of my latest Daily Light Meditation in rhyme and metre.

30 years ago, when I went to a prominent Bible School, I was confronted with the Scripture which Daddy Hagin believed passionately. It was; ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17 ESV One of the topics we learned was what was called, “New Creation Realities”. For someone who was primarily a Methodist, it was “revelatory”.

I remember sitting there for a couple of evenings amazed by what I had never understood. Not that I understand it 30 years later. I doubt if anyone has unpacked this Scripture fully. We used to sing a chorus entitled, “I’m a new creation, I’m a brand new man.” It continued, “Old things have passed away”. Of course, what we were singing in the services was 2 Cor 5:17. It concluded with the words, “I’m a new creation; I’m a brand new man”. The words were easy enough. But how to put it into effect was a bit beyond most of us. Well, it was for me anyway.

The problem for me at the time is that although I knew I was a new creation, I felt as though I was still living in the old one. A number of us felt much the same, but said very little because we thought it would reflect badly on what we were being taught!

Today’s Scriptures remind me vividly of those days. They were wonderful and very exciting days. So much to understand; so much to learn. But the reality of the new creation still burns in me and sets my heart on fire. So our meditation today looks at the Scriptures and takes us on a journey from the times we are living in to God’s New Creation. Not just you and me. It’s a complete new creation for which this present universe longs to see.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The New Creation

O Father, what a promise; and this applies to me! It’s quite incomprehensible. How can it ever be? I’ve struggled with this problem, since can’t remember when. My sorrow will be ended; It won’t plague me again! The prospect’s so exciting. It surely makes me scared. It’s happened unexpectedly; it’s caught me unprepared. I know I shouldn’t feel like this, I have expected trouble. And Jesus Christ has come along and pricked this foolish bubble. It thought I faced this on my own and couldn’t overcome. I knew I was a friend of Yours, but not a closest chum. And yet the application goes further than just me. It seems that all creation has groaned continuously. It’s looking for deliverance, from Adam’s fatal fall. Creation was affected, and Satan’s had a ball. It’s all been warped and twisted, as though in labour pains. It’s calling for deliverance, from mankind’s wicked stains. This thing is universal. It’s all within the reach, Of Satan and his demons, like flotsam on the beach! Our bodies are affected. We aren’t what You first made. We lost most of our faculties when Adam disobeyed. So everything around us is longing for relief. We know that it is coming Lord, but let the time be brief. Clothe us with brand new bodies in heaven, earth and sky. Not what Jesus swallowed up, but ones that cannot die. Renew Your old creation. Cause it to live once more. Return the life that Satan stole back in the days of yore. Make us a new creation with all sins washed away. Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and with us here to stay; A place without the sun and moon; a place of dazzling light, Where Jesus and his brilliance is always shining bright! A place that’s sheltered by Your throne; where hunger is no more; And thirst a distant memory of what we knew before; Where Jesus is our Shepherd, who fills our every need Where every tear is wiped away and You are Lord indeed. Where tribulation’s ended and sin shall reign no more. Where Father, Son and Holy Ghost is whom we’ll all adore. Jim Strickland – Written 21st December 2011

CHOSEN

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Hi all,

Being chosen! It’s one of the most disturbing facts of the Christian life. Disturbing because it implies that I was chosen and Joe Soap was not! How do we deal with this because it seems to me that this is pride in any language? Does this mean that God has a great big “tic list” and that He goes through it and arbitrarily decides who He will save; a sort of Divine, “Eeny Meanie Miny Mo”? It’s great for me, but tough for poor old Joe Soap.

This is treading on thin ice. Predestination implies this sort of misunderstanding. It also overlooks God’s omniscience. He knows and has always known what each of us will do. More than that; He has always known this since before the foundation of the world.

This Divine knowledge exceeds anything we could possibly imagine. For example, assume for the moment when I came out of my door this morning I turned left instead of right. The impact on the world will be small but observable. The knowledge of God includes the outcome of all the alternatives. It doesn’t sound much to me. But take the possible alternatives all the way back to the fall of man. The alternative outcomes would approach infinity. It can never reach infinity, because only God is infinite. But God in His omniscience also knows the probable outcome of all these possibilities. So He knows what each one of us will do. So He knows who come to Him for salvation and who will not. In this sense I was predestined to be saved and Joe Soap was not. He knows who will choose Him and who will not. So our free will is not overridden by God. He just knows what will happen.

So there is no way I can be proud that I’ve been chosen and Joe Soap wasn’t. It’s just that He knows and has always known what each of us will choose. In that sense, in and through His Son, Christ Jesus, Christians have been chosen to be holy and perfect in His presence. In a small way it’s rather like our knowing that tomorrow will be Wednesday 21^st December 2011. We have not caused it to be that way. It will happen regardless of our view or preference. Tomorrow is “predestined” to be Wednesday 21^st December 2011. No matter what we do, that’s what it will be, whether we believe it or not!

This morning’s meditation looks at this in more detail.

Please forward my poetry to others you think would enjoy it. All I ask is that it is not used f or commercial purposes

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Chosen

At times when I read Scripture, I feel utterly amazed. It just seems so fantastic, that my faculties are dazed. To think that I was chosen, before the world began; A bit of insignificance, is part of Your great plan? The Master of the universe, who made the seas and skies; That infinite omniscience should deign to cast His eyes; His perfect omnipresence, omnipotence Divine; Could even spare a thought, for imperfections such as mine. Why do you think of anyone? O Lord we are so small; We are so insignificant, and You are all in all! But You have spoken clearly and it’s written in Your Word, That I am more important than animal or bird. It seems a contradiction. To think that I was known, Before the worlds existed. But that is what is shown. Not just a selection of someone from the crowd; Not some giant lottery, the laws of luck allowed. In fact it’s just the opposite. You said that You called me, Back in some special instant in past eternity.

Before you made the universe and all of time and space.      Is where You first decided that I would find a place! In that dark empty nothingness, You chose me as Your own. You said that You would save me, while I was still unknown. You say it was predestined; that I be justified. That through Your Holy Spirit, I would be sanctified; That through the death of Jesus, Your glory would be seen, Imparted to the people You had chosen as Your queen. Yet even in Your choosing, it wasn’t cast in stone. You said that coming to You, would be my choice alone. But in Your perfect knowledge, You knew what that would be. So you could leave the choosing entirely up to me! Predestined to be sanctified – O Father what a thought! And as I contemplate it, my mind returns to naught. You’ve done it by Your Spirit; and what’s written on my heart, Has given me a freedom, which simply can’t depart. I want to be Your servant; I’m captive to Your love; I want to be a worshipper of You the Lord above. I’d like to understand it. But I no longer care. For me it’s quite sufficient to know that You are there. Jim Strickland – Written 20th December 2011

LIGHT FROM DARKNESS

Time with Jesus - Monday, 19 December 2011

Hi all,

Back in the days of Springbok radio, there was a programme I loved. It was called, “twenty questions”. There was a team of three or four men (always men as far as I remember) There was a Question Master and a mystery voice. The mystery voice would tell the listeners the “object” e.g. a telephone. The question master would then tell the team what the object was in terms of animal, mineral or vegetable. Sometime the object would be “abstract”. A tune would be “abstract” because it could not be classified as animal, mineral or vegetable. The team was then given 20 questions to identify the object. To my amazement they identified the object in less than 20 questions. In fact they managed to give the right answer most of the time. It wasn't long before I realised that abstract things are difficult to describe.

Christianity also has things that are hard to describe. “Love” is a good example. How can it be described? It has strong connections with “animal” In fact minerals and vegetables can’t love. (I understand that some “animals” love vegetables - But I digress) However, I can love my wife. I can also love God. So love could be described as “abstract with animal connections”?

Today’s meditation looks at behaviour and our relationship with God. It’s very much “abstract with strong animal connections”. It’s not easy to express. So if today’s verse and rhyme appear to be a bit “abstract with human connections”, don’t be surprised. Bear in mind that love is a lifestyle. Likewise, walking with God in obedience to Him is abstract. The problem is putting behaviour and our relationship with God into action.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

LIGHT FROM DARKNESS

Light shines in the darkness for the upright in the Lord; They’re gracious and compassionate and great is their reward. Those who walk in righteousness, the Lord will not despise. He will vindicate them in everybody’s eyes! Lord, You are my helper; My Master and my King! On those who would condemn me, the grapes of wrath You’ll bring. They’ll wear out like a garment that moths have chewed away. They’ll stumble in the darkness and won’t see the light of day. The Lord delights in people who listen to His voice; Who do the things He tells them; and follow Him by choice. He does let them stumble; He takes them by the hand, And leads them through the darkness, into the Promised Land. You treat us like a Father; we do the things You say. You treat us like the Mother we are eager to obey! We carry your instructions, like a cord around the neck. We follow in Your footsteps and use Your Word to check, That everything we’re doing conforms with Your desire. For being with the Master has set our hearts on fire. We know about the dangers of immorality; We keep away from prostitutes wherever they may be. We praise You for Your discipline, although at times it’s sore. You do it for our benefit that sin shall reign no more. You are a God of Justice. You always do what’s right. No man can run away from your all perceiving sight. My enemies have shamed me. At least that’s what they thought. But You are right beside me so their curses come to naught! For surely You’re omniscient; Your eyes don’t miss a thing. I’m sure to be rewarded, while unto You I cling. Your eyes will see their downfall and they will be ashamed. No longer will they look at me, as someone to be blamed. They’ll put away their taunting and admit that I was right; And say I am not guilty in God the Father’s sight! They’ll make the declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord. The only One who’s worthy to be worshiped and adored. Jim Strickland – Written 19th December 2011